Antenna module interface extension

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a computer system that provides for an antenna port with a bay or door that receives a module containing an antenna. The antenna module contains an antenna or a set of antennas that support wireless communication technologies contained in the computer system. The antenna module is “standardized” and can be used for various computer systems employing the standard port with the bay or door. The antenna module may be developed and certified separate from the notebook system. In addition to the antennas, a diversity switch may be added, the diversity switch is used to choose the proper antenna for communication. A high gain amplifier and filters to compensate for RF signals may also be added to the module. A receiver, transmitter, or transceiver device may be added to the module or may be placed in the computer system. Placing the device on the module allows the transmission of digital signals, providing decreased signal loss along transmission lines. Power is provided to the module by a separate power line from the computer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a computer system, and moreparticularly to a mobile computing system or platform using a removableantenna module containing an antenna to support wireless communicationdevices in the mobile computing system or platform.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Mobile personal computers (PC), also known as “laptops” and“notebooks” (notebook), typically provide wireless communications by theuse of what are commonly known as PC cards defined by the PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). In typicalapplications, a PC card used for wireless communication will use anantenna interface to establish a wireless connection to a remoteterminal or access point. A wireless communication PC card can have abuilt-in radio modem and an antenna. In certain configurations, theantenna protrudes out of the PC card. These integrated antennas aredesigned exclusively for wireless technology used by that particular PCcard.

[0005] Manufacturers in order to provide cost effective and seamless enduser wireless communication capabilities have found advantages inintegrating wireless technologies into the architecture of a notebooksystem. Instead of relying on a PC card that is externally added via acard slot, the user can have wireless technology built into thenotebook.

[0006] Wireless communications technologies continue to evolve andmature. Available wireless communication technologies that are nowavailable to notebook systems include: wireless personal area networks(WPAN); wireless local area networks (WLAN); and wireless wide areanetworks (WWAN).

[0007] WPAN is an evolving area that includes an industry drivenspecification known as “Bluetooth,” which is used as the basis forInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard802.15.1. WPAN standards are specifically targeted as cable replacementwireless technologies for a range of diverse computing devices such asPCs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), peripherals, cell phones,pagers, and consumer electronics. WPAN allows these enabled devices tocommunicate and operate with one another over a short range.

[0008] WLAN allows communication to a local network such as an Ethernetnetwork within a building or locally on a campus or public “hotspot”areas such as hotels or airports. The IEEE standard 802.11 addressesthis type of wireless communication technology.

[0009] WWAN generally refers to cellular and PCS telephone communicationand covers code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA) and their variant standards. WWAN works over a longerdistance and accommodates user mobility.

[0010] Wireless communication technologies can operate at varyingfrequencies and rely on antennas capable of transmitting and receivingat specific frequencies that support particular wireless communicationtechnology.

[0011] Now referring to FIG. 1 illustrated is a chart of wirelesscommunication technologies and their operating frequencies. Wirelesscommunications can be grouped under communication category 10, furthercategorized as communication technology 15 and further defined byoperating frequency band 20. In the industry WWAN 25 includes generalpacket radio service (GPRS) 40 that may operate at a switching frequencyof 900/1800 megahertz (MHz) or 1900 Mhz; code division multiple access(CDMA) 45 that operates at 850/1900 MHz; time division multiple access(TDMA) 50 operating at 850/1900 MHz; and wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) 55operating at 2.0 gigahertz (GHz). The WLAN 30 category includes IEEEstandard 802.1 lb 60 operating at 2.4 GHz and IEEE 802.11 a 65 operatingat 5.2 GHz. In WPAN 35, Bluetooth 70 technology operates at 2.4 GHz.WPAN also includes the evolving IEEE standard 802.15 75 at 2.4 GHz.Since it is to be finalized, IEEE 802.15 75 potentially may operate at adifferent frequency in the future. Other technologies in the future mayoperate in other frequencies.

[0012] Antennas that support wireless communication technologies can beas diverse as the wireless technologies that they support. Antennas cancome in varying shapes and sizes, including straight dipole antennas andpatch antennas. Antennas are able to support a range of frequencies thatsupport various technologies, however, one antenna or antenna systemcannot support all of the wireless communication technologies that areexpected to be integrated within a notebook system. A notebookmanufacturer must therefore determine what antenna or antenna system toinclude to support whatever wireless communication technology is part ofthe notebook architecture. Since wireless communication is an evolvingarea, frequency and antenna requirements will also evolve and changeover time.

[0013] Manufacturers have realized the need to provide wirelesscommunication technologies and solutions into notebooks. To this end,antennas are often integrated into the chassis of notebooks or in theLCD panel of the notebook. The integrated antenna of the notebook istypically a custom design to the particular notebook platform.

[0014] Now referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a connection of anintegrated antenna to a notebook chassis. Antenna 200 is connected by ajumper wire 210 to a module 205. The module 205 can be placed on amother board or a system board of the notebook system. A designconsideration is to make the jumper wire 210 as short as possible. Inother words, a connection of the antenna 200 to the module 205 should beas short as possible. Considering that analog radio frequency (RF)signals are transmitted along the connection, a shorter connectionallows for a reduction of transmission noise, but more importantlytransmission loss from the antenna. Integrating an antenna into anotebook system adds to design considerations; a manufacturer must beable to know or plan as to the size, shape and location of an antenna,and design the notebook architecture with that particular antenna inmind. Adding a jumper wire further adds to the design and manufacturingcost of the notebook.

[0015] An antenna may be part of a device that includes specificwireless communication technology such as transmitters, receivers andtransceivers. Such a device is an integrated wireless device. Antennasand integrated wireless devices may be designed, integrated andcertified along with a notebook. Changing an antenna or integratedwireless device for a different function or purpose can require aredesign or change to the notebook chassis which would can be a lengthy,expensive, or impractical design change.

[0016] If a different antenna to replace an existing integrated antennais desired, a new notebook chassis intended for the new antenna must becreated, the old chassis must be disassembled, the parts of the computersystem integrated into the new assembly, and certification conducted onthe new notebook package. Modular devices such as transceivers or radiodevices may easily be replaced on a notebook computer architecture, butan antenna that is integrated into the chassis of a notebook presents amore complicated modification. To create different notebook chassis fora multitude of antennas in existence can be impractical. In certaincases, a notebook user may be in a situation where the wirelesscommunication technology that is being used requires a change ofwireless communication devices and an antenna to support the change.This may be the case when a user has a notebook designed for the UnitedStates WWAN market, and the user brings the notebook to Europe wherethere is a difference WWAN standard. The wireless communication system,including the antenna, built into the United States market notebook, isuseless in Europe. A simple change of transceivers inside the systemboard may be all that is needed, however the user does not have theability to replace the antenna. Antennas that are fixed or integratedinto a notebook chassis do not allow for factory customization and limitflexibility to manufacturers that provide customization of notebooksystems for their customers.

[0017] In the timeline of notebook development and product introductionto the marketplace, manufacturers very early on define the mechanicallayout of the notebook design. A notebook's physical layout is designedand the location of its parts is determined. A specific location isprovided for the processor. A specific location is provided for thememory. A specific location is provided for multi-media components.Currently no specific location, however, is provided for an antenna.Considering the varying physical shapes and sizes that an antenna maycome in, it can be difficult to provide a predetermined location for anantenna in a notebook with limited space requirements.

[0018] A manufacturer can reserve a space in the notebook systemarchitecture for the antenna. Since the antenna and the notebook are anintegrated system, the system must be certified as a whole. Thistranslates to the need to certify a new system each time a differentantenna is introduced. The same notebook architecture will be certifiedas many times as a new antenna is introduced. In a competitivemarketplace, manufacturers strive to bring new notebook designs toconsumers as expeditiously as possible. Waiting for regulatorycertification of various antennas added to a particular notebookarchitecture adds to the time before a notebook is delivered to themarketplace. A fixed or integrated antenna in a notebook becomes part ofa larger communication systems design that must be certified. An antennathat is separated and treated independent from the system enablesplatform design independence.

[0019] A need has been felt for a modular antenna that is self containedand can be readily attached to a notebook or other computing device,where the notebook or computing device provides a designated interfaceor location to attach the modular antenna. The modular antenna shouldhave the capability to be independently certified from the notebook orcomputing device architecture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In mobile computing systems such as notebooks which incorporatewireless technologies, an antenna system is needed. Oftentimes, thechoice of an antenna or antennas is locked into the design of thecomputing system, with the antenna built into the chassis of the system.Modifications and changes to the antenna architecture are difficult ifnot impossible. To facilitate production of computing systems and toincrease the flexibility of exchanging antennas, a modular design for anantenna in a mobile compute system is provided.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the computer system providesfor a bay or slot that readily accepts an antenna system. The antennasystem is housed in a modular radome or casing unit that is“standardized” for the bay or slot. A door on the bay or slot enclosesthe modular unit into the computer system.

[0022] In an embodiment the modular unit contains one or more antennas.For multiple antennas a diversity switch is added to choose the properantenna for transmission or reception. A high gain amplifier can beadded to the module, where the high gain amplifier receives or transmitssignals from and to the antennas. A RF cable is provided that connectsto the computer system from the amplifier. RF analog signals are thenpassed to the computer system's receiver, or the computer systemstransmitter passes RF signals to the module.

[0023] In an embodiment the receiver, transmitter, or a transceiver maybe placed in the antenna module, so that analog RF signals are processedin the module and then transmitted to the computer system as digitalbase band signals. This allows for greater flexibility in placing theantenna module in the computing system.

[0024] In various embodiments of the invention, a microprocessor may beadded to the antenna module where technical information regarding theantenna is provided to the computer system. Information may consists ofthe type and or capability of the antennas in the module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

[0026]FIG. 1 illustrates wireless communication technology and relatedoperating frequencies.

[0027]FIG. 2 illustrates a connection from a notebook antenna to anotebook system.

[0028]FIG. 3 illustrates an antenna system architecture that makes useof an antenna module.

[0029]FIG. 4 is an antenna system architecture that passes digitalinformation to a computer system.

[0030]FIG. 5 illustrates a physical location in which an antenna can beplaced.

[0031]FIG. 6 illustrates the components of an antenna structure.

[0032] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, itshould be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to limit the invention to theparticular form disclosed but on the contrary, the intention is to coverall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Now referring to FIG. 3 illustrated is an antenna systemarchitecture that makes use of an antenna module. Within the antennamodule, an antenna or a series of antenna may be placed. These antennascan include antenna 300 and antenna 305. Additional antennas may beaddded or a single antenna may be used. Antenna 305, antenna 305, andother antennas of the antenna system are connected to a diversity switch310. The purpose of diversity switch 310 is to choose the proper antennafor transmission and reception. The diversity switch can choose theantenna based on integrated software logic or a physical device such asa power sensor or zener diode. The power sensor or zener diode measuresreceived or transmitted energy and based on that energy calculates thebest antenna to receive or transmit. If a single antenna is incorporatedno need will exist for the diversity switch 310. Received signals fromthe antenna system pass through a high gain amplifier 320. High gainamplifier 320 can also include low noise amplifier (LNA) when a signalis received. High gain amplifier 320 may include filters to addressreceived noise. The high gain amplifier 320 passes signals to a radiotransmitter/receiver 335 by a wire 325. Information in the form ofanalog signals are passed between high gain amplifier 320 and radiotransmitter/receiver 335. In this particular embodiment, the antennamodule contains the antenna 300, the antenna 305, the diversity switch310, and the high gain amplifier 320.

[0034] The radio transmitter/receiver 335 sends power to the high gainamplifier filter 320 through power line 330. The radio transmitterreceiver 335 processes the analog signals into digital information andpasses them on to a base-band processor 340. The base-band processor 340passes on the digital signals to an interface 345. The interface 345 inturn passes on the digital signals to a bus 350 and to the computersystem. Typically the digital signals will be passed on to themotherboard. Additional elements of the module can include amicroprocessor 360. The microprocessor 360 passes on serial digitalinformation regarding the condition or status of the module 360. Thisserial data is passed on to bus 365.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 4 illustrated is an antenna systemarchitecture that passes digital signals to the system. The antennasystem is set up to include antenna 300 and antenna 305. Other antennasmay be added or a single antenna may exist. The antenna 300 and theantenna 305 are connected to the diversity switch 310. The diversityswitch 310 determines the appropriate antenna to be used to transmit orreceive the signal. Received signals are passed on to the high gainamplifier 320. In this particular embodiment, the radiotransmitter/receiver 335 is placed in the module. Since the radiotransmitter/receiver 335 is placed into the module, digital informationcan be sent along a serial bus 400. This digital or serial informationis sent to the base-band processor 340 located on the motherboard or aseparate daughter card. Transmitting digital information allows forreduced line loss and noise, providing the capability for a longer lineconnection from an antenna module to the computer motherboard or systemboard.

[0036] Now referring to FIG. 5 illustrated is an embodiment of aphysical location of a motherboard within which the antenna module canbe placed into. Illustrated is a notebook 500 with a slot or bay 505.The slot or bay 505 accepts an antenna module 510. The slot or bay 505can have a lid or door 515 that closes and locks in the antenna module510. This particular embodiment illustrates the slot or bay 505 in theback of the notebook 500, however, various locations along the notebook500 may have the slot or bay 505 and the lid or door 515. At times itmay be desirable for the user to have access to the antenna module 510,and at other times it may be desired to limit access. Access to theantenna module 510 can be controlled by the manufacturer by the ease ofopening or closing the door 515 and or placement of the slot or bay 505.

[0037] Now referring to FIG. 6 illustrated is the antenna module 510. Inthis particular embodiment antenna module 510 has connecting pins 600.Connecting pins 600 are used to mount the antenna module 510 intoconnecting holes or mounts found on the notebook. The connecting pins600 provide structural connection to the notebook for the antenna module510. A coaxial cable 610 for RF analog signals is provided. The antennaitself is housed in a plastic housing or radome 615. Module 510 shouldbe large enough to accommodate a diverse range of sizes of antennas,including dipole antennas and patch-panel antennas. The expected sizefor these antennas depends on the frequency range and performancedesired. Antenna module size will be determined by notebook sizeconstraints and antenna size requirements that include the number ofantennas that may be placed in the module.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described in connectionwith several embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited tothe specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intendedto cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can bereasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile computing system comprising of: a slotcapable of receiving an antenna module; and a door wherein the doorencloses the antenna module in the slot.
 2. The mobile computing systemof claim 1 wherein the slot comprises a set of mounting holes; theantenna module comprises a set of mounting pins whereby the set ofmounting pins is connected to the set of mounting holes.
 3. The mobilecomputing system of claim 1 wherein the antenna module comprises an RFconnector, and the slot comprises of an RF connector capable ofaccepting the RF connector of the antenna module.
 4. The mobilecomputing system of claim 2 wherein the antenna module comprises an RFconnector, and the slot comprises of an RF connector capable ofaccepting the RF connector of the antenna module.
 5. The mobilecomputing system of claim 1 wherein the antenna module further comprisesof a microprocessor that provides antenna module information to thecomputing system.
 6. The mobile computing system of claim 2 wherein theantenna module further comprises of a microprocessor that providesantenna module information to the computing system.
 7. The mobilecomputing system of claim 3 wherein the antenna module further comprisesof a microprocessor that provides antenna module information to thecomputing system.
 8. An antenna system in a mobile computing systemcomprising: a set of one or more antennas; a high gain amplifier connectto the set of antennas, whereby the high gain amplifier device adjustssignal integrity; a radio device capable of transmitting and receivinganalog signals, connected to the high gain amplifier; and a basebanddevice connected to the radio device; whereby the baseband device passesand receives digital signals from the radio device and passesinformation to and from a the computer system.
 9. The antenna system ofclaim 8 wherein the set of antennas and the high gain amplifier arecontained in a module.
 10. The antenna system of claim 9 wherein themodule comprises of a power line to the computing system.
 11. Theantenna system of claim 8 wherein the set of antennas, the high gainamplifier, and the radio device are contained in a module.
 12. Theantenna system of claim 9 wherein the module comprises of a power lineto the computing system.
 13. The antenna system of claim 8 furthercomprising a diversity switch capable of selecting an antenna from theset of antennas based on transmission or reception of the computingsystem.
 14. The antenna system of claim 13 wherein the set of antennas,the high gain amplifier, the radio device, and the diversity switch arecontained in a module.
 15. The antenna system of claim 14 wherein themodule comprises of: a power line to the computing system.
 16. Theantenna system of claim 9 wherein the module further comprises of amicroprocessor that provides antenna module information to the computingsystem.
 17. The antenna system of claim 10 wherein the module furthercomprises of a microprocessor that provides antenna module informationto the computing system.
 18. The antenna system of claim 11 wherein themodule further comprises of a microprocessor that provides antennamodule information to the computing system.
 19. The antenna system ofclaim 12 wherein the module further comprises of a microprocessor thatprovides antenna module information to the computing system.
 20. Theantenna system of claim 14 wherein the module further comprises of amicroprocessor that provides antenna module information to the computingsystem.
 21. The antenna system of claim 15 wherein the module furthercomprises of a microprocessor that provides antenna module informationto the computing system.